Kobe vs. LeBron: The Dream NBA Final Series, Not So Fast.

It is supposed to be the dream match-up of the NBA’s current generation of superstars: Kobe Bryant, last year’s MVP, against this year’s MVP, LeBron James—a dream match up.

For James and the Cavaliers, there had not been a single bump in the road after eight games.

That was until they found an opponent able to compete with them.

The Orlando Magic overcame a 16-point deficit while on their way to giving Cleveland their first loss in the playoffs, in spite of James’ 49 points.

Orlando relied on their "Superman" Dwight Howard’s scoring to keep the game from being a blowout in the first half. The big man had 18 of his 30 points in the opening half. In the first half, Howard's teammates only scored a combined 31 points.

In the fourth quarter, it was Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis scoring the Magic’s final 17 points, including Lewis’ game-winning three-pointer with :14 left.

Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers had a Game One similar to James and the Cavaliers. However, Bryant and L.A. got the win. Also, the Lakers were trailing early in the game and needed every bit of Bryant’s game-high 40 points.

Bryant scored 18 points in the fourth, going nine-of-nine from the foul line. The Lakers rallied back and stole a win at home from the Nuggets, 103-105.

Also in game one, Denver’s Carmelo Anthony, scored 39 points. He and Bryant went back-and-forth all night, already challenging the Kobe vs. LeBron Final.

In game two of the Western Conference Finals, despite falling down by 13 points, Denver, led by Anthony again, won by three points. Now, tied at 1-1, the Nuggets go home, where they have not lost in the playoffs, and have won 19 of their last 20.

In Game Two, Anthony recorded his fifth straight 30-point game in the playoffs. He had 34.

The play of Anthony, the Nuggets physicality being too much for L.A., and Chauncey Billups dominating of Derek Fisher, has the Lakers on the ropes.

Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals is coming soon, and it is a must-win for Cleveland.

Can Howard keep up with his Western Conference counterpart, Anthony?

Will more than just James show up for the Cavs?

Right now, I still think the Cavaliers will beat the Magic and go to the NBA Finals.

But Bryant has no shot. The Lakers are over-matched by Denver’s physicality and Anthony’s playoff streak, and Billups over Fisher removes Kobe from the dream.

I wonder how the James vs. Anthony dream will do? It will still feature two of the best players, except, it will be two of the best players from the 2003 draft going head-to-head.

That’s a pretty good dream.